Herpes in Throat

What is Herpes in Throat?

Herpes in the throat, also known as herpes esophagitis is when herpes simplex virus invades the esophagus.

Herpes esophagitis is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus.

There are two types of herpes virus HSV-1 and HSV-2:

• HSV-1 is more commonly associated with herpes in the throat. This virus is the same one that causes cold sores and it is generally transmitted by mouth-to-mouth contact, but can also be passed through oral sex. It is also known as oral herpes.

• HSV-2 is the primary cause of genital herpes, but can also cause oral herpes. It is typically passed through vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

Who is at Risk for Herpes in Throat?

The herpes simplex virus affects two thirds of the global population, although herpes esophagitis isn’t very common in healthy people.

People who have weakened immune systems are more at risk to contracting herpes of the throat, they include people who have or have had:

• HIV or AIDS

• Leukemia or other cancers

• An organ transplant

• Diabetes

• Any illness that compromises your immune system

• Any autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus

• People who abuse alcohol

• People who take long-term antibiotics

Read: How to Get Tested for Herpes and Why it Matters

Symptoms of Herpes in Throat

The primary symptoms of herpes in the throat are:

• Open sores in the mouth and throat (herpes labialis)

• Difficulty swallowing

• Inflammation

• Chest pain

Other secondary symptoms are:

• Joint pain

• Chills

• Fever

• Not feeling well

Prevention for Herpes in Throat

Herpes esophagitis is very rare and can be avoided by practicing safe sex. Ways to ensure you are not at risk of spreading or contracting the herpes virus are:

• Using a condom

• Using dental dams

• Always informing your partner if you’re experiencing a herpes outbreak

• Refraining from sexual relations while experiencing a herpes outbreak

The herpes virus is most contagious during an outbreak, but can be transmitted when no obvious symptoms are present.

Treatment for Herpes

There is no cure for herpes, however you should get treated as fast as possible if you believe you have it.

There are various medications available to help treat esophagitis caused by the herpes virus.

The following antibiotics can help:

• Acyclovir (Zovirax)

• Famciclovir (Famvir)

• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

If you believe you are experiencing a herpes outbreak, contact your doctor or schedule an online doctor visit with PlushCare to get tested for herpes, confirm your diagnoses and start proper treatment.

Read More About Herpes in Throat

• How to get tested for STDs

• Herpes Treatment

Sources

• Medical News Today. What is Herpes Esophagitis? Accessed October 12, 2019 at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323773.php

• Mayo Clinic. Cold Sores. Accessed January 16, 2020 at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-20371017

• World Health Organization. Herpes Simplex Virus. Accessed January 16, 2020 at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus

• Kidshealth.org. Herpes Simplex Virus. Accessed January 16, 2020 at https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/cold-sores.html